Under political attack, the government today put out a strong defence of its decision to allow up to 51 per cent of foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail and up to 100 per cent in single brand retail.

The move, it said, would generate about 10 million jobs over three years and help farmers get more for their produce, while dampening the prices of products. Among those who have refused to go among is the Trinamool Congress, whose members are part of the Union Council of Ministers.